“North Korea Crisis: How Events Have Unfolded Under Trump” NBC

“Pentagon Sends Team to Niger to Find Out What Happened” NBC

This article discusses the creation of a new investigation by the Pentagon surrounding the recent ambush in Niger that left US servicemen dead. Robert Windrem reviews some of the open questions surrounding the attack that the investigation will seek to solve.

“CIA Director Pompeo Lashes Out at Iran, Compares It to ISIS” NBC

This article examines a hardline anti-Iran speech given by the CIA director amid rumors that Trump will decertify the Iran deal. Robert Windrem also examines what this speech may signal in terms of designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

“For Some, Delayed Response to Puerto Rico Has Echoes of Katrina” NBC

This article focuses on some of the criticisms that have been leveled against the Trump administration's handling of the disaster caused by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Critics including the U.S. military relief operation head during Katrina draw comparisons with that heavily criticized relief effort.

“Pentagon Asks White House to Give Lethal Weapons to Ukraine” NBC

This article examines a new request from the Pentagon to provide advanced anti-tank weaponry to Ukraine. Robert Windrem explains some of the background of the conflict there and how these new weapons system might be implemented.

This article explores the private one-on-one meeting between President Trump and Vladimir Putin during the 2017 G20 Summit, some of the non-standard details of the meeting such as the presence of a Russian translator, and what implications this meeting might have.

"Who Planted the Fake News at Center of Qatar Crisis?” NBC

This article explores the fake news articles about Qatar that ultimately precipitated a blockade and ultimatum against the nation. Robert Windrem and William Arkin examine what fake articles were posted, theories regarding who may have fabricated these stories, and the political situation that has evolved in the region since.

“Chemical Weapons in Syria: What We Know After White House Statement” NBC

Following a White House announcement warning Syria to refrain from using chemical weapons based on intelligence of their imminent use, this article explores what is known about the Syrian chemical weapons situation, including US and Russian policy towards Syrian chemical weapons and the levels of Syrian stockpiles.

“What’s With the Crazy, Scary North Korean Propaganda?” NBC News

Robert Windrem reports on the rhetoric and content of North Korea’s propaganda videos. Windrem writes that the videos are intended for North Koreans to reinforce the narrative of the supremacy of the Kim family. The videos frequently feature the imagined destruction of South Korea and the United States. Despite their overblown scenarios, intelligence services monitor the videos closely.

“North Korea Crisis: How Events Have Unfolded Under Trump” NBC News

Robert Windrem and Corky Siemaszko report on North Korea’s recent missile tests. They create a timeline of events from February 12th to May 2nd documenting North Korea’s actions and the reactions and commentary from other countries.

Robert Windrem and William M. Arkin report that North Korea has been increasing the volume of missile tests in recent weeks. Many of the missile tests have not been successful but are intended to be a message to Donald Trump to take North Korea seriously.

“Violence, Bloodshed Mount in Afghanistan, Report Says” NBC News

Robert Windrem writes that the latest report from the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction indicates that violence in Afghanistan has increased, with the numbers for civilians and armed forces the highest since the report was started in 2009. In addition to high death rates, many Afghan citizens have fled their homes or been displaced. The growing narcotics trade coupled with extremist violence and territory disputes are reasons for the increased violence.

Robert Windrem, Courtney Kube, William M. Arkin, and Phil Helsel report that a banned missile test carried out by North Korea failed when the missile exploded shortly after being launched. Despite the low success rate of North Korea’s missile launches, surrounding countries remain concerned and are taking precautions.

“Mike Flynn’s RT Headache Won’t Go Away” NBC News

Robert Windrem reports that Michael Flynn’s involvement with Russia Today (RT) is now being investigated by Congress and the Pentagon. The investigation comes partially because Flynn did not disclose payments from RT. RT is considered part of the Kremlin’s propaganda machine and intelligence reports say that the network has a campaign of tactics meant to undermine trust in U.S. democracy.

Robert Windrem reports that Brian Bulatao is likely to become the chief operating officer at the CIA. Windrem writes that the position is traditionally but not always filled by career intelligence officials. Bulatao has a background in finance and is a West Point classmate of CIA director Mike Pompeo.

“Houthi Rebels Use Another Unmanned Boat Bomb Against the Saudis” NBC News

Robert Windrem reports that Houthi rebels used a remote-controlled boat bomb against a Saudi Arabian ship for the second time this year. The attack was averted by Saudi forces but had the attack been successful, it could have impacted the global oil industry.

“Guess Who Came to Dinner With Flynn and Putin” NBC News

Robert Windrem reports on the significance of various guests at a Russian TV network party for RT in Moscow. The guests included Vladimir Putin, Michael Flynn, Jill Stein, and Russians who were currently under U.S. and European sanctions. Windrem writes that RT was an instrumental part of Putin’s government’s campaign to influence the U.S. election.